Schedule of EventsThe competition took place on Saturday, October 25 at Houston Piano Company, 1600 W. 13th Street, Houston TX, 77008. The event began at noon and finished 7:00.

Non-Competitive Category (12:00 to 2:00)James Willsey, James Chase, James Pinkerton, Brad Sumner, Mari Ito, John Slaby, Grace HuangNon-competitors will play in this order (oldest to youngest).

Competitive Category (2:30 to 3:30)The order of the competitors will be determined by lot. The lots will be drawn 2:15PM. So please, ALL COMPETITORS MUST APPEAR AT HOUSTON PIANO COMPANY AT 2:00PM. Lots will be drawn at this time and the first competitor will be allowed to warm up for 10 minutes. Each competitor will then be given 10 minutes of warmup prior to their performance.

General information and rulesSixth Chopin Competition for Adult Amateur Pianists, organized by Chopin Society of Houston, will be take place Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Houston Piano Company in Houston, Texas. Master classes will be offered on the following day, Sunday, October 26.These events are open to all adult amateur pianists, born before September 1, 1987, who make their living from sources other than playing or teaching piano, do not hold any degree in piano performance or piano pedagogy, and study piano as a hobby.

There are two categories for participation: Competitive, which are judged and awarded prizes, and Non-competitive. Participants in both categories will receive written comments from the judges as well as a Diploma of Recognition.

Non-competitive CategoryRecital participants are invited to perform a selection of one longer or several shorter contrasting compositions of Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes. Participants are NOT required to perform works from memory and may use original sheet music. There is no repertoire requirement. Participants will receive written comments from the judges as well as a Diploma of Recognition.

Competitive CategoryApplicants in the Competitive category are required to enter a Preliminary round prior to the main event by submitting a DVD of the complete performance WITH THEIR APPLICATION. The applicants name should appear on the outside of the tape or DVD, but no titles or names should appear on the recording. Individual pieces may be recorded separately but no editing of individual pieces is allowed.

Successful candidates in the Competitive category will be promptly informed of their acceptance to the Final round by email. The results will also be posted on our Website. Candidates not passed to the Final round may be invited to play in the Non-competitive category.

Participants in the Competitive category are required to bring their music (preferably with measures numbered). They will be judged by a panel of outstanding musicians. Written comments from the judges will be available following the competition.

Competitive Category Repertoire RequirementsCompetition participants are required to perform any one Mazurka by Chopin.

In addition, a selection of one or several contrasting compositions of Fryderyk Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes (including the required Mazurka). One larger work, such as a Ballade or Scherzo, may be submitted and performed along with the required piece, even if it exceeds the time limit. All works must be performed by memory.

Master ClassesMaster classes will be offered on Sunday, October 26 to those who are participating in the Competition (Competitive or Non-competitive categories). Participants must select a composition by Chopin for instruction. Please indicate preferred Master Class Presenter on the application form. Preferences will be filled in order of receipt of the applications.

The order of the competitors will be determined by lot. The lots will be drawn 1:15PM. So please, ALL COMPETITORS MUST APPEAR AT DOWLING MUSIC AT 1:15PM. Lots will be drawn at this time and the first competitor will be allowed to warm up for 10 minutes. Each competitor will then be given 10 minutes of warmup prior to their performance. This is due to our restriction of having a single practice room.

General information and rulesThe Fifth Chopin Competition for Adult Amateur Pianists and Chopin Recital performed by Adult Amateur Pianists, organized by Chopin Society of Houston, will be take place on October 27, 2012 at Dowling Music located at 2615 Southwest Freeway #220, Houston, TX 77098. These events are open to all adult amateur pianists, born before January 1, 1985, who make their living from sources other than playing or teaching piano, do not hold any degree in piano performance or piano pedagogy, and study piano as a hobby.

There are two categories for participation: Competitive, which are judged and awarded prizes, and Non-competitive. Participants in both categories will receive written comments from the judges as well as a Diploma of Recognition.

Non-competitive CategoryRecital participants are invited to perform a selection of one longer or several shorter contrasting compositions of Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes. Participants are NOT required to perform works from memory and may use original sheet music.

Competitive CategoryApplicants in the Competitive category are required to enter a Preliminary round prior to the main event by submitting aDVD of the complete performance WITH THEIR APPLICATION. The applicants name should appear on the outside of the tape or DVD, but no titles or names should appear on the recording. Individual pieces may be recorded separately but no editing of individual pieces is allowed.

Successful candidates in the Competitive category will be promptly informed of their acceptance to the Semi-final round by letter or email. The results will also be posted on our Website. Candidates not passed to the Semi-final round may be invited to play in the Non-competitive category.

Participants in the Competitive category are required to bring their music (preferably with measures numbered). They will be judged by a panel of outstanding musicians. Written comments from the judges will be available following the competition.

Competitive Category Repertoire Requirements

Competition participants are required to perform any one Prelude from Op.28.

In addition, a selection of one or several contrasting compositions of Fryderyk Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes (including the required Prelude). One larger work, such as a Ballade or Scherzo, may be submitted and performed along with the required piece, even if it exceeds the time limit. All works must be performed by memory.

Fourth Adult Amateur CompetitionFebruary 27, 2010Rice UniversityMedalistsGold - Robin Green and Marcus MerrellSilver - Paula AlencarCongratulations to our medalists and all our participants!Schedule of EventsThe competition will take place in Room 1133 in the Alice Pratt building at Rice University. It is open to the public.Non-Competitive Category (10:30 to 12:30) - Jim Bradley, Bert Moser, James Willsey, Brenda Ray, Jerry Jones, James Crump, Kimberly MoriThang Dinh and Alina AltNon-competitors will play in this order (oldest to youngest).

Competitive Category (2:30 to 5:00) - Stephen Page, Robin Green, Pei-Li Huang, Kimbra Fishel, Marcus Merrell and Paula AlencarCompetitors are asked to arrive at Rice at 2:00. The order of the contestants will be determined by lot at this time.

General information and rulesFourth Chopin Competition for Adult Amateur Pianists and Chopin Recital performed by Adult Amateur Pianists, organized by Chopin Society of Houston, will be take place on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Rice University, Houston, Texas. These events are open to all adult amateur pianists, born before January 1, 1983, who make their living from sources other than playing or teaching piano, do not hold any degree in piano performance or piano pedagogy, and study piano as a hobby.

Applications, registration fees and DVD's (for competitive category applicants) must be received by Friday, January 29, 2010. Information on application form must be typed or printed in block letters. Proof of age (such as copy of a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate) and a non-refundable fee of $75 per competition entry or $75 per recital entry must accompany each application. Please make check payable to: Chopin Society of Houston. Send the application material to: Chopin Society of Houston 1938 Baker Trail Houston, TX 77094Participants will be notified of performance times immediately after closing the list of applicants. This list will also be published on our Website at: www.chopinsocietyofhouston.org.

No changes or substitutions in the repertoire will be accepted once the application has been received. Please note: Only original versions will be accepted – No transcriptions – No arrangements.

There are two categories for participation: Competitive, which are judged and awarded prizes, and Non-competitive. Participants in both categories will receive written comments from the judges as well as a Diploma of Recognition.All performers are expected to wear appropriate attire to ensure a proper atmosphere. The Chopin Society of Houston reserves the right to record all performances during the event for use at its own discretion. By signing the application form the participant renounces all rights and fees.Non-competitive CategoryRecital participants are invited to perform a selection of one longer or several shorter contrasting compositions of Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes. Participants are NOT required to perform works from memory and may use original sheet music.

Competitive CategoryApplicants in the Competitive category are required to enter a Preliminary round prior to the main event by submitting a videotape or DVD of the complete performance WITH THEIR APPLICATION. The applicants name should appear on the outside of the tape or DVD, but no titles or names should appear on the recording. Individual pieces may be recorded separately but no editing of individual pieces is allowed.

Successful candidates in the Competitive category will be promptly informed of their acceptance to the Semi-final round by letter or email. The results will also be posted on our Website. Candidates not passed to the Semi-final round may be invited to play in the Non-competitive category.Participants in the Competitive category are required to bring their music (preferably with measures numbered). They will be judged by a panel of outstanding musicians. Written comments from the judges will be available following the competition.

Competitive Category Repertoire RequirementsCompetition participants are required to perform one of the following polonaises:C-sharp minor, Op. 26, No. 1E-flat minor, Op. 26, No. 2B-flat minor, “Adieu”C minor, Op. 40, No. 2F-sharp minor, Op. 44A-flat Major, Op. 53D minor, Op. 71, No. 1B-flat Major, Op. 71, No. 2and, in addition, a selection of one or several contrasting compositions of Fryderyk Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes (including the required polonaise). One larger work, such as a Ballade or Scherzo, may be submitted and performed along with the required piece, even if it exceeds the time limit. All works must be performed by memory.

Competitive Category AwardsGold, Silver, and Bronze medals, Honorable Mentions, and Special Prizes for the Best Performance of a Polonaise will be awarded.The judges’ decisions will be final.

ApplicationThe Third Adult Amateur Competition is scheduled for November 1, 2008. The application is available on this page. Deadline for submitting applications with accompanying proof of age and fees is Friday, October 3, 2008.

OverviewThe competition is divided into two categories: Competitive and Non-Competitive. Awards will be presented in the Competitive category. Participants in both categories will receive written critiques from the judges.Participants in both categories will have the opportunity to sign up for Master Classes on stage or privately with a judge of their choice.These events are open to all adult amateur pianists, over the age of 27, who make their living from sources other than playing or teaching piano, do not hold any degree in piano performance or piano pedagogy, and study piano as a hobby.All participants are expected to wear appropriate performance attire to ensure a proper atmosphere. Chopin Society of Houston reserves the right to record all performances during the event for use at its own discretion. By signing the application form the participant renounces all rights and fees.

Non-Competitive CategoryContestants in the non-competitive category may select any works by Chopin. Performance time is limited to 12 minutes. The works need not be performed from memory and may use original sheet music. Please note only original versions will be accepted; no transcriptions, no arrangements!

Competitive CategoryContestants in the competitive category are required to perform one of the following nocturnes:B-flat minor, Op. 9, No. 1F Major, Op. 15, No. 1D-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 2B Major, Op. 32, No. 1F minor, Op. 55, No. 1Performance time is limited to 12 minutes (including the required Nocturne).All works must be performed by memory. No changes or substitutions will be accepted. Please note only original versions will be accepted; no transcriptions, no arrangements!If several smaller works are performed, they should be contrasting in either style or tempo. If a contestant wishes to perform one larger composition (such as a Ballade or Scherzo), which exceeds the time limit, he/she is allowed to play it along with the required nocturne.Awards will consist of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, an award for the best nocturne, and the Jan Ekier Award for the best performance of the most difficult piece.Medalists will have the opportunity to play in the Winners Recital.

ScheduleThe Second Chopin Competition for Adult Amateur Pianists was held on October 28 and 29, 2006 at Cullen Hall, St. Thomas University.The competition began at 5:00PM on Saturday. A drawing determined the order of the competitive participants. After the drawing, the non-competitive participants performed, followed by the competitors. Participants had access to practice rooms before and after the drawing.Winners were announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday at 6:00PM. This was followed by a concert by our distinguished judges and other performers.Sunday Master's ConcertClive Swansbourne, Barcarolle in F-sharp Major, Op. 60Adam Golka, Six EtudesOp. 10, No. 1 in C MajorOp. 10, No. 3 in E MajorOp. 10, No. 9 in F minorOp. 25, No. 1 in A-flat MajorOp. 25, No. 7 in C-sharp minorOp. 25, No. 12 in C minor

Jose Feghali, Ballade in A-flat MajorOverviewThe competition is divided into two categories: Competitive and Non-Competitive. Awards will be presented in the Competitive category. Participants in both categories will receive written critiques from the judges.The competition is open to non-professional pianists over the age of 27. The participant must not have a degree in music or work as a professional musician.All participants are expected to wear appropriate performance attire to ensure a proper atmosphere. Chopin Society of Houston reserves the right to record all performances during the event for use at its own discretion. By signing the application form the participant renounces all rights and fees.

Non-Competitive CategoryContestants in the non-competitive category may select any works by Chopin. Performance time is limited to 12 minutes. The works need not be performed from memory. Please note only original versions will be accepted; no transcriptions, no arrangements!Competitive CategoryContestants in the competitive category are required to perform one of the following waltzes:Waltz in a minor, op.34, no.2Waltz in F major, op.34, no.3Waltz in D-flat major, op.64, no.1Waltz in c-sharp minor, op.64, no.2Waltz in A-flat major, op.64, no.3Waltz in e minor, op. posth.Performance time is limited to 12 minutes (including the required waltz).All works must be performed by memory. No changes or substitutions will be accepted. Please note only original versions will be accepted; no transcriptions, no arrangements!If several smaller works are performed, they should be contrasting in either style or tempo. If a contestant wishes to perform one larger composition (such as a Ballade or Scherzo), which exceeds the time limit, he/she is allowed to play it along with the required waltz.

First Adult Amateur Competition October 23rd, 2004 St. Thomas UniversityIn October 2004, the Chopin Society of Houston, inspired by the Van Cliburn Amateur Pianist Competition, organized the first Chopin Competition for the Adult Amateur Pianists.It was a very inspiring and joyful event, open to non-professional pianists over the age 27. The contestants created a very special category of people, brought to the competition stage by pure love and passion for Chopin’s music.The competition was divided into two categories: Competative and Non-Competative. Awards were presented in the Competative category. Participants in both categories received written critiques from the judges.Contestants in the competative category were required to perform one of the following pieces:Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15Nocturne in E Minor, Op. 72, No. 1 Noctorun in C-sharp Minor, Op. Post. Performance time was limited to 12 minutes.

There were four contestents in the competative category and three in the non-competative category. The jury consisted of two members: Clive Swansbourne from Great Britain and Calogero Di Liberto from Italy.